Jake Ball Secured On National Dual Contract

Wales and Scarlets second row Jake Ball is the sixth player in Wales to be secured on a national dual contract.

Ball joins Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos and Rhodri Jones. The new National Dual Contracts were agreed as part of the Rugby Services Agreement between the WRU and the four Regions, which was signed last year and operates until 2020.

The 23-year-old, who has made over half a century of appearances for the region made his Wales debut in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations and will be in action for the Scarlets against the Ospreys this Saturday in the big West Wales derby at Parc Y Scarlets (kick off 5.05pm).

Ball, who also became a father for the first time over the festive period, said he is delighted to have signed a NDC: “I’m delighted to have signed a National Dual Contract and to be staying in Wales. The NDC was a big factor in my decision as I get to work hand in hand with the Welsh Rugby Union as well as the Scarlets.

“It’s been a fantastic year for me, I’m still taking everything step by step and want to perform as well as I can for the Scarlets to put my hand up for selection for the Six Nations.”

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “2014 has been a great year for Jake and we’re excited to see his continued development here at the Scarlets. It’s pleasing to see another of our international players committing to both the region and Welsh rugby.”

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said: “The signing of Jake on a National Dual Contract is another important step for the future of the game in Wales.

“A player of Jake’s calibre and age attracted serious interest from outside of Wales but the introduction of NDC’s means another Welsh International has committed his future to Wales and his region.”

WRU Chairman, Gareth Davies said: “It Is fantastic that another prominent Welsh International has signed a NDC and committed their future here in Wales. National Dual Contracts offer players a unique opportunity that will benefit the game at national and regional level.”